Using periodic point-prevalence surveys to assess appropriateness of antimicrobial prescribing in Australian private hospitals

Abstract

Background and Aims: Appropriateness of antimicrobial use is a measure of key importance in evaluating safety and quality of prescribing but has been difficult to define and assess on a wide scale. Published work is limited and has generally focused on tertiary public hospitals, whereas the private sector provides a significant proportion of care in many countries. Information on prescribing in the private hospital context is needed to identify where intervention might be required. An antimicrobial prescribing survey tool was utilised to assess the appropriateness of antimicrobial prescribing among large private hospitals in Australia. Methods: 'Appropriateness' of antimicrobial therapy was ..